KNOKKE-HEIST.- Last summer, the 34th Art Nocturne Knocke was able to attract over 11,000 visitors to the Scharpoord cultural center. This strengthens the profile of this event in the city of Knokke as the most important art and antique fair in Europe during the summer season. The sculpture promenade called Sculpture Link Knokke will be held at the same time. A competition was organized in the context of the fair. Lisa Viaene from Sijsele won a colorful sculpture by Clemens Briels and has just received her prize from the Tuteleers team based in Brughes.

Art Nocturne Knocke is not an incidental success. It emerged in 1974 and the couple Gil and Christine Tuteleers, now supported by their son Alexander, made a deliberate decision in 1984. They decided to abandon the concept of a traditional antique fair to evolve towards a fair where the organizers do not shun the confrontation of contemporary, conceptual art and old, classic art. They have been successfully using this concept ever since.

We also succeeded at tackling the recent crisis by taking new, goal-oriented action. This way we were able to convince new, carefully selected partners to join our Art Nocturne Knocke, in addition to our established partners. We also expanded the fair venue, which is equipped with excellent infrastructure, and have created a new, inviting entrance hall with a foyer, declares Gil Tuteleers, who is still operating from Brughes.

Of course, the exhibitors play an important role here. "They ensured a polished presentation of a carefully selected collection. Bringing exhibitors and customers together and treating all visitors to a drink, we all contribute to the coziness and customer-friendliness. With 11,000 art, antique and design lovers from Belgium or abroad, we think we can safely call this economy-driven fair a great success."

Another important factor is the increasing professionalization, without depending solely on a handful of sponsors or an association. "We strive to keep the fair a 100% independent organization, without prejudice to professionalism. We do, however, have our policy assessed by external advisors to guarantee the highest possible quality."

The 35th jubilee year in 2010 looks very promising. In addition, many new important art and antique traders have requested to join the fair next year. This proves that Art Nocturne Knocke has earned itself a prominent position in the world of art and antiques."

The Tuteleers team is therefore planning its next event in August 2010. According to tradition, the venue will be located in the most worldly seaside resort at the Belgian coastline. "In this special context, the visitors will enjoy an art tour along the monumental creations of our sculpture promenade called Sculpture Link Knokke, which is organized simultaneously with the fair and celebrated its 16th edition last year. This promenade will take you on the waterfront boulevard up to Scharpoord and will certainly set the mood for a subsequent immersion in the unique atmosphere of our art and antique fair. The summery beach atmosphere will be an additional treat!"

The 35th edition of the Art Nocturne Knocke will be organized from Saturday 7 through Sunday 15 August 2010, from 3 to 9 PM in the Scharpoord cultural centre in Knokke.